Three Kingdoms: Mistakenly Becoming Liu Bei's Adoptive Father at the Start

After Hangu Pass was breached.

Liu Liang came to see Tang Ji for the third time.

The first two times were in the first few days after entering the pass. He was busy taking stock of the spoils and assisting in the deployment of defenses. When he had a spare moment to come over, he only stood outside the tent and asked a few questions about his daily life. He didn't even come inside the tent.

Having some free time today, he happened to find some melons from a village outside the pass, and he took two with him.

Tang Ji's tent was pitched in a secluded corner inside the pass, about an arrow's throw from the main army camp.

This was arranged by Liu Liang.

Her identity is special, and she should not mingle with others.

Two soldiers stood guard outside the tent. They were both veterans chosen by Zhao Yun; they were quiet and reliable.

When Liu Liang lifted the curtain and went in, Tang Ji was sitting in front of a low table, holding a scroll of bamboo slips in her hands.

Seeing him enter, she quickly put down her things, stood up, and bowed, saying, "Sir."

Liu Liang placed the two melons on the table and said, "I passed by a village school and someone gave me some melons. Try them."

Tang Ji stared at the two greenish-yellow melons for a moment, then said softly, "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

Liu Liang hummed in agreement and turned to leave.

"Please wait, sir," Tang Ji suddenly said.

Liu Liang turned around.

Tang Ji lowered her head, her fingers gripping her sleeve.

A moment later, he suddenly knelt down.

Liu Liang was taken aback and stepped aside, saying, "What are you doing? Get up."

Tang Ji did not get up, but remained prostrate on the ground, her voice trembling slightly: "I have a request for you, sir."

Liu Liang frowned as he looked at her lying on the ground: "Get up and talk."

Tang Ji raised her head, her eyes slightly red: "My father... has sent a letter. Please take a look, sir."

Tang Ji took out a scroll of silk from her sleeve and held it above her head with both hands.

Liu Liang took it and unfolded it.

The letter was short and was written in the handwriting of Tang Ji's father, Tang Mao.

"My son, seeing this letter is like seeing you in person. I am somewhat relieved to hear that you are with Mr. Zishan in Anxi County. Mr. Liu is a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, a member of the Han imperial family, and his name is renowned throughout the Central Plains. As a deposed concubine, it is truly a blessing that you can rely on him. Your father is in Kuaiji, thousands of miles away, and the war has prevented me from personally welcoming you. You should treat Mr. Liu well and not worry about home. Your father, Mao."

The meaning of this letter couldn't be clearer.

Tang Mao was the governor of Kuaiji, with troops under his command and territory under his control.

However, from Kuaiji to Hangu Pass, the entire Jiangdong region and the entire Central Plains are separated.

A distant source of water cannot quench an immediate thirst; his daughter is lost amidst the chaos of war, what can he do?

The only hope is that the person who took in my daughter is a good person.

The phrase "Mr. Liu, the benevolent one" in the letter was phrased euphemistically.

To put it bluntly: Daughter, your father can't save you. Your husband may be the emperor, but he's dead. You must stop acting like an imperial concubine, face reality, follow this Mr. Liu, serve him well, and stop being picky.

Liu Liang folded the letter and handed it back to Tang Ji.

Tang Ji lowered her eyes and said softly, "I... come from a noble family and have been taught the 'Admonitions for Women' since childhood, and I know shame. Today, I have resorted to this desperate measure because... I have no other choice. For the past half month, you have not taken anything from me, and have only inquired about my well-being. Although I am foolish, I know that you are a virtuous gentleman. I dare not ask for a title, I only wish to stay by your side, serving you tea and water, making your bed and folding your blankets, that is enough."

Liu Liang looked at the woman in front of him. The candlelight illuminated her face, revealing her beautiful features and fair skin.

A living person, a beautiful woman, was right in front of me.

He's a grown man, not a eunuch, it would be a lie to say he wasn't tempted.

After transmigrating, although he still kept the bonus in his mind and thought about returning to the modern world after completing the mission one day, the days passed one by one.

In this chaotic world, where life is fraught with danger, who wouldn't want someone to keep them warm in bed at night?

To say that I've never had the thought of building a harem would be to lie to myself.

The problem is, this girl is only sixteen years old.

In modern times, at this hour, one would be in the classroom studying for the college entrance exam, occasionally stealing a glance at the boys in the next class.

Instead of kneeling in a stranger's tent and waiting to have their fate decided.

Liu Liang's Adam's apple bobbed.

In this world, taking her in is the best protection for her.

"Get up," Liu Liang said.

Tang Ji remained unmoved.

Liu Liang repeated, "Get up first, then we'll talk."

Tang Ji slowly rose, stood with her head bowed to the side, and choked back tears, saying, "I am but a woman, with no one to rely on. Today, sir, you are kind enough to take me in. But what will I do tomorrow if you have to leave? I can do anything by your side, even if it's just being a servant girl who brings tea and water. At least then I have a title. Others will know that I am Mr. Liu's woman and won't dare to touch me. But if I am just a 'temporarily taken-in woman,' will anyone be guarding my tent when you leave?"

The sound of soldiers changing shifts came from outside the tent. Some people whispered a few words, and then fell silent again.

Liu Liang helped her up: "I understand what you're saying. It's not that you can't stay by my side, but there are a few things I need to say beforehand."

Tang Ji finally couldn't hold back her tears and nodded repeatedly.

Liu Liang said, "First, don't reveal your identity. Just say that I rescued you from Luoyang, and that's all. If anyone points out that you are the young emperor's concubine, just firmly deny it."

Tang Ji said, "Not many people have seen me, so please rest assured, sir."

Liu Liang nodded: "Secondly, you are nominally my maid, but in reality... your status is up to you. You can leave whenever you want. If you want to go back to Kuaiji now, I will send someone to take you back immediately."

Tang Ji was stunned for a moment, then covered her face and said, "I can't go back to Kuaiji. I'm just a deposed concubine, and the emperor is dead. What face do I have to go back to my father's side? I'm willing to serve you under your command for the rest of my life."

Tang Ji knelt down on the ground with a thud and kowtowed three times.

"This concubine...thanks, sir."

Liu Liang reached out and helped her up: "From now on, don't kneel in front of me. Get up and tidy yourself up; I'll have someone get you a bigger tent later."

Tang Ji stood up, wiping away her tears, and nodded.

Liu Liang turned to leave, but then stopped.

"Oh, by the way, I've already washed those two cantaloupes, remember to eat them."

Tang Ji was stunned, then suddenly smiled.

That was the first time Liu Liang saw her smile.

The girl cried with tears streaming down her face, which was very pitiful.

Her smile is radiant and bright, making everyone feel cheerful.

That's why they say beautiful women are pleasing to the eye.

Even if you do nothing, just watching makes this chaotic world seem less awful.

Liu Liang handed her a handkerchief and went out, lifting the curtain.

The sunlight outside the tent was blinding, so he squinted and stood there lost in thought for a while.

Soft footsteps came from behind; it was Tang Ji chasing after them.

"gentlemen."

Liu Liang turned around.

Tang Ji stood at the tent entrance, her face still wet with tears, but she tried her best to straighten her body.

"I...won't cause you any trouble, sir."

Looking at her holding the melon in both hands, looking somewhat silly and cute, Liu Liang recalled that comical scene:

If Liu Bei were to marry Tang Ji, what would he call her when they met?

Liu Liang suppressed a laugh, nodded, and turned to leave.

After walking a dozen steps, I finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Liu Bei's adoptive father married a sixteen-year-old woman; this is truly going to be a laughing stock.